Jennifer Beam

Chained CPI would make small COLA even smaller.

AARP Study Quantifies Social Security Benefits’ Critical Contributions to National, State Economies

Mark your calendar because Medicare open enrollment is coming very soon!

Association to Continue Nationwide Education Effort

On Tuesday, July 30, State Director Mike Festa testified at a hearing of the Massachusetts State Legislature’s Joint Health Committee in support of two bills relating to the protection of assets for those on Medicaid and planning for long-term services and supports. One, An Act Regarding the Countable Assets of Medical Assistance Recipients, would exempt the funds held by a community spouse in an individual retirement account, Keogh plan, or similar pension fund from counting against the Medicaid assistance of the spouse living in a nursing home. The other, An Act Relative to Transfers of Assets by MassHealth Members, would make regular financial actions by moderate- and low-income families to assist one another in times of need less likely to preclude the transferors from being able to get MassHealth assistance for nursing home care. Both of these bills would strengthen Medicaid options for older Bay Staters considering long-term services and supports, and AARP Massachusetts will continue to keep you informed on their progress in the weeks to come.

By Kira Hessekiel, Advocacy and Outreach Support, AARP Massachusetts

It's Election Day across the Bay State: time to vote to fill the seat for United States Senate. Polls are open from 7 am until 8 pm.

Update on Senate Bill 1805: AARP is pleased that the Massachusetts Senate included an amendment to S.1805, exempting several vulnerable populations -- including elders -- from the photo identification requirement for SNAP electronic benefits cards.

By Kira Hessekiel, advocacy and outreach support for AARP Massachusetts

As you may have seen in the news, the Massachusetts Legislature is addressing welfare reforms through a variety of bills. Tomorrow, the Massachusetts Senate will debate S.1805 and the amendments filed to it.